History whispers but greatness roars.
On Sunday afternoon 21 September, two proud Coalfields clubs will collide under the bright lights of McDonald Jones Stadium, each carrying the hopes of their town and the weight of their past.
For Maitland, it’s a shot at immortality — a chance to cement its place among the greatest sides in Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) history.
For Cessnock, it’s about bringing down a dynasty and proving that grit, belief and heart can topple the kings of the competition.
CROWD EXPECTATIONS
A massive crowd is expected to pour into McDonald Jones Stadium.
Maitland will have an enormous contingent, with the club contesting three of the four matches on the day.
Meanwhile, the last one to leave Cessnock will be turning the lights off as a huge black-and-gold army descends closer to the main event.
THE STORY
The Maitland Pickers enter Sunday’s decider chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Denton Engineering Cup premiership — a feat no club has ever achieved.
It’s been a dynasty, years in the making: built on ruthless consistency, incredible depth across the park, and an unrelenting drive to remain the standard-bearer of the competition.
Standing in their way are the Cessnock Goannas, a club forged in tradition and defined by resilience.
Their journey back to the grand final has been nothing short of remarkable.
At mid-season, they were languishing as low as eighth on the ladder.
Now, they’re 80 minutes away from one of the most famous victories in club history.
For Cessnock, this isn’t just a decider — it’s a battle for pride, redemption, and legacy.
THE HISTORY
Maitland Pickers
- Established: 1927
- Last Premiership: 2024
- Total First Grade Premierships: 13
Cessnock Goannas
- Established: 1911
- Last Premiership: 2020
- Total First Grade Premierships: 9
Head-to-head grand finals:
- Eight clashes between the clubs
- Cessnock leads 5-3
2025 HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS
Saturday 10 MayÂ
Venue: Baddeley Park, Cessnock
Cessnock Goannas 0 – Maitland Pickers 38
Saturday 14 June
Venue: Maitland No.1 Sportsground
Maitland Pickers 12 – Cessnock Goannas 10
Saturday 6 September – Major Semi-Final
Venue: Maitland No.1 Sportsground
Maitland Pickers 36 – Cessnock Goannas 8
Aggregate score across three games
- Maitland: 86
- Cessnock: 18
- Point Differential: +68 Maitland
Maitland has dominated the 2025 clashes, holding Cessnock to an average of six points per game, while posting nearly 29 points per match themselves.
THE OFFICIAL CALL
One of the first big moves of grand final week was made off the field, with referees boss John Taylor appointing Kurt Grogan to officiate the decider ahead of incumbent Joey Butler on Wednesday much to the surprise of leading coaches and players not participating in the decider.
Grogan impressed with his control of last week’s preliminary final between Cessnock and Wests.
Butler has had an outstanding season, Grogan’s growth and steady hand under pressure earned him the nod
The last time refereeing decisions took centre stage was 2009, when Cessnock had three players binned in a fiery grand final loss to Wyong.
Both teams will hope history doesn’t repeat itself this Sunday.
Grogan will need to maintain strict control of this match as his performance will be one of the most heavily scrutinised in recent years.
ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL
Maitland Pickers – The Direct Route
Maitland’s dominance as minor premiers earned them a week one bye and direct passage to the major semi-final.
Week 2 – Major Semi-Final
Saturday 6 September | Maitland No.1 Sportsground
Maitland 36 def. Cessnock 8
A clinical performance secured their place in the grand final, fresh and ready to chase history.
Cessnock Goannas – The Hard Road
Cessnock faced a brutal, three-week gauntlet of knockout football to make it to the decider.
Week 1 – Qualifying Final
Saturday 30 August | Baddeley Park, Cessnock
Cessnock 26 def. Wyong 12
Week 2 – Major Semi-Final
Saturday 6 September | Maitland Sportsground
Maitland 36 def. Cessnock 8
Week 3 – Preliminary Final
Sunday 14 September | Kurri Kurri Sports Ground
Cessnock 26 def. Western Suburbs 24
Their narrow two-point win over Wests showed their grit and determination, setting up a Coalfields showdown for the ages.
MILESTONES & STORIES
- Matt Soper-Lawler (Maitland): Celebrates his 100th first grade game for the Pickers
- Daniel Langbridge (Maitland): Farewells the club before joining his brother Alex at Wyong in 2026
- Josh Charles (Cessnock): Marks the 10-year anniversary of his 2015 premiership win with Lakes United on the very same ground
KEY MEN
Cessnock Goannas
Royce Geoffrey
A standout in the major semi-final, particularly when linking up with Angus Ernst. Dangerous pre-line and at the line with his lethal left-foot step, Geoffrey’s aggression and creativity will be central to Cessnock’s attack.
Angus Ernst
The key to Cessnock’s chances. A dynamic ball-runner with a sharp passing game, Ernst’s ability to challenge Maitland’s middle defenders will dictate their go-forward. If he dominates, expect him to be in contention for Best on Ground.
Luke Huth
The best hooker in the competition. His speed around the ruck and defensive toughness make him Cessnock’s engine room. When he’s firing, the Goannas are at their best.
Sam Apthorpe
The pack leader and enforcer. If Apthorpe can match Maitland’s powerful middle trio of Butterfield, Anderson, and Lewis, Cessnock can win the arm wrestle. If not, it could be a long day for the black and gold.
Jayden YoungÂ
The impact man off the bench. Brings energy, unpredictability, and the ability to disrupt Maitland’s rhythm, especially targeting halves Lamb and O’Donnell.
Maitland Pickers
Matt Soper-Lawler
The premier centre in the game. Dominant in the air and devastating with ball in hand, his partnership with Chad O’Donnell makes Maitland’s left edge almost unstoppable.
Chad O’DonnellÂ
The general. Calm under pressure and lethal in execution, O’Donnell’s vision and decision-making are critical to Maitland’s structure.
Brock Lamb
Outstanding in the major semi, kicking Cessnock to pieces while orchestrating three try assists. Will be heavily targeted by the Goannas, but his poise is key to Maitland’s attack.
Jayden Butterfield
The cornerstone of Maitland’s forward dominance. Even with multiple defenders on him, his fast play-the-balls ignite the Pickers’ rolling momentum.
Sam Anderson
The captain and heart of the team. Anderson’s leadership and work rate set the tone for everything Maitland does.
THE COACHES
Harry Siejka (Cessnock)
Master motivator who transformed Cessnock’s season. Took them from mid-table obscurity to the grand final with belief and smart tactical adjustments. They fell as low as 7th at one stage to finish second overall.
Matt Lantry (Maitland)
A proven winner. Chasing his fourth premiership with Maitland, Lantry’s tactical mind and composure have been vital to sustaining their dynasty.
THE FINAL WORD
Two proud clubs. One defining moment.
The Maitland Pickers, chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, march into McDonald Jones Stadium as the undisputed powerhouse of Newcastle Rugby League.
The Cessnock Goannas, hardened by three weeks of sudden-death football, come ready to spoil the party and bring glory back to their town.
This is more than a grand final — it’s a Coalfields war, fuelled by history, pride, and unshakable belief. Every run, every tackle, and every decision will matter as two titans collide.
For Maitland, victory means immortality.
For Cessnock, triumph means toppling a dynasty and igniting a new era.
At 3.30pm, the noise will rise, the whistle will blow, and 80 minutes will decide everything.
Come Sunday, there are no excuses, no second chances — just a battle for the soul of NEWRL.
NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PROGRAM
Sunday 21 September
McDonald Jones Stadium
- 9.45am: Under-19s – South Newcastle v Western Suburbs
- 11.30am: Reserve grade – Maitland v Lakes United
- 1.30pm: Milleen Group Women’s Premiership – Northern Hawks v Maitland
- 3.30pm: Denton Engineering Cup – Maitland v Cessnock
For more sports stories:
- Seagulls look to rewrite script against mighty Pickers
- Holden sisters revved up to shine for Pickers on grand final day
- NEWRL’s talented youngsters eye off under-19 crown
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